A firearms raid has been carried out in Alderney after a number of seized weapons were reported missing.
Three properties were searched by police last week and one man was arrested in connection with the operation. The man has since been released.
The raids were organised after the States - which deals with dangerous weapons seizures - was alerted to the fact that various articles had gone AWOL from the Civil Defence Bunker off Longis Road.
Tens of firearms were seized during the searches, which involved five Guernsey officers and three from Alderney. A number of the articles collected have been sent to Guernsey for analysis.
A Guernsey Police spokesman said investigations into the reported theft of firearms were ongoing. He also said the missing weapons had been recovered.
The spokesman added: 'Responding to intelligence received, five officers from Guernsey travelled to Alderney last week on scheduled flights, in support of local officers conducting searches at three locations in the island. One adult man was arrested and released pending further enquiries.
'Nobody has yet been charged with any offences, however the matter is still the subject of an ongoing police investigation and therefore further details cannot be released at this time.'
A spokesman for the States declined to comment and said the matter was being dealt with by police.
Only last month members of the Policy and Finance Committee decided the States should continue dealing with weapons seizures, rather than pass responsibility to the police.
10 comments on this article
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theace | Fri 12th March 2010 Bill i dont shower walden
karma is a special thing
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Martin Smith Jnr | Wed 3rd March 2010 See the updated article posted here, I hope this clears things up a bit:
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Shotgun Sid | Wed 3rd March 2010 This is a little pedantic Mr Walden. As I said previously, it is the States, through the CEO, which orders weapons to be revoked (seized). As you say, it will be the police who physically seize the weapons but the States (through the CEO) which orders it.
I am fully aware of this as I am a gun owner myself and know somebody who had his guns seized. The police knew nothing about it until the CEO contacted them.
I don\'t think anyone, the Journal included, ever suggested that you, Mr Willmott, Mr Williams et al go around taking people\'s guns off them. I\'m surprised you\'ve got all \'hot under the collar\' about this.
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Bill Walden | Wed 3rd March 2010 Sorry Sid and Confused but the issue and revocation of licences to hold weapons is dealt with by the States Chief Execuive Officer under laws made by the States and is entirely seperate to the power of law enforcement and siezure of illegally held weapons. The latter is the responsibility of the police.
Similarly, Government departments issue driving licences but civil servants and politicians don't issue parking tickets.
Yes Sid, I sometimes get things wrong, but not on this occasion. I hope this clears up the confusion.
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Shotgun Sid | Mon 1st March 2010 This is one of those unfortunate but not infrequent instances where Bill Walden is incorrect. As the licensing authority, the States is responsible for both issuing permits and revoking them. The police may be the ones who physically revoke the weapons but it is the States who will order them to be revoked. I think an apology is due to the Journal Mr Walden...
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Confused | Mon 1st March 2010 Hang on a minute. If the States deals with licensing, surely that includes the seizure of weapons as well?
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Bill Walden | Sun 28th February 2010 Robert,
This is another of those unfortunate but not infrequent occasions where the Alderney Journal has printed incorrect information.
The Policy and Finance Committee decided the States should continue dealing with weapons LICENSING. No mention of weapons siezures was made.
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Bill Walden | Sun 28th February 2010 Robert,
This is another of those unfortunate but not infrequent occasions where the Alderney Journal has printed incorrect information.
The Policy and Finance Committee decided the States should continue dealing with weapons LICENSING. No mention of weapons siezures was made.
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Robert McDowall | Sat 27th February 2010 I fail to understand the rationale of the States dealing with weapons seizure rather than the Police-the law enforcement agency.I would question whether the States has the knowledge or experience to address such matters.Perhaps,someone from the States would care to enlighten me?
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The Journal believes this is an opportune moment to conduct a survey of the States. The aim is to help the States, its members and those who are considering standing for election. Click here to vote!
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
Sat 11th September 2010 Methodist Church Restoration Fund Jumble Sale, Island Hall, 14:00
Sat 11th September 2010 Myths and Stories from Ancient Egypt
An evening of fascinating stories told by international master performance storyteller Dr. Samira Kirollos, brought to you by the Alderney Theatre Group.
Sit back, watch, listen and be spellbound.
tickets £10 on sale at Shirley's Boutique and on the night at the door, Island Hall, 19:30 to 23:00
The Journal's first States Survey
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on Tuesday 31st August and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 